Security Officer Ryan O’Connor is cool under pressure. His ability to stay focused under duress, make quick decisions and respond effectively is reflected in the success of his actions. Ryan recently saved a man’s life by stopping the bleeding of a severed artery.

Ryan and the NMS security team assigned to the Anchorage Downtown Transit Center swung into action after receiving a call from security dispatch that a stabbing had occurred in the area. The victim, stabbed near City Hall, staggered two blocks to the bus station to desperately find help. He went to the right place. When Ryan arrived on the scene, the victim was bleeding profusely and near bleed-out. Ryan acted immediately, beyond the “normal” first aid procedures that NMS security officers learn during training, and manually held the severed artery closed until paramedics arrived on the scene.

Once the paramedics were in control of the victim’s well-being, Ryan coordinated and delegated the actions of the security team, assisting with the apprehension of the stabbing suspect, controlling the crowd and coordinating the EMS response. In critical condition, the victim moved in and out of consciousness, arriving at the hospital in a precarious state. The victim has since recovered. The paramedics were amazed by Ryan’s actions and credited him for saving the victim’s life.

Security Manager Kathy Luken said, “Ryan’s ability to remain calm under extreme duress, perform lifesaving actions and go over and above the expected duties, while simultaneously coordinating the rest of the security team, is remarkable and worthy of recognition.”

Ryan was also recently recognized by the Anchorage Police Department for his actions in preventing a head-on collision between a drunk driver (later apprehended by police) and another driver. In addition to the drunk driver incident, Ryan was recognized for his co-participation in another life-saving action when he and his teammate Amie Wilson provided medical assistance for a man who had stopped breathing.

NMS President Matt Daggett recently presented Ryan with an award in recognition of his exemplary service before members of the Anchorage Community Development Authority (our client) and several security division managers and supervisors.